Motorized snow shovels

ABSTRACT

A motorized snow shovel includes a shaft assembly extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end. The motorized snow shovel further includes a handle assembly connected to the first end, the handle assembly including a first handle. The motorized snow shovel further includes a head assembly connected to the second end. The head assembly includes a shovel, an auger rotatably connected to the shovel, and a motor operational to rotate the auger.

FIELD

The present subject matter relates generally to snow shovels, and more particularly to motorized snow shovels which include rotatable augers.

BACKGROUND

Snow shovels are widely utilized to move snow and other environmental debris. For example, a common use of a snow shovel is to remove snow from a driveway and/or sidewalk. However, most known snow shovels are purely manual tools requiring manual labor during use. In some situations, such manual labor can be detrimental or dangerous, such as in the case of the elderly or those with health conditions.

One solution to the problem of the pure manual labor required by known snow shovels is the use of a snow blower. However, snow blowers can be expensive and complicated to operate, and generally blow snow into the air during operation. If there is a breeze during operation of the snow blower, the snow can be blown into unintended locations, including for example into the user.

Accordingly, improved apparatus for moving snow and other environmental debris are desired. In particular, improvements to snow shovel designs which reduce the required manual labor while remaining simple and inexpensive would be advantageous.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In accordance with one embodiment, a motorized snow shovel is provided. The motorized snow shovel includes a shaft assembly extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end. The motorized snow shovel further includes a handle assembly connected to the first end, the handle assembly including a first handle. The motorized snow shovel further includes a head assembly connected to the second end. The head assembly includes a shovel, an auger rotatably connected to the shovel, and a motor operational to rotate the auger.

In accordance with another embodiment, a motorized snow shovel is provided. The motorized snow shovel includes a shaft assembly extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end. The motorized snow shovel further includes a handle assembly connected to the first end, the handle assembly including a first handle, a battery, and a trigger. The motorized snow shovel further includes a second handle connected to the shaft assembly between the first end and the second end. The motorized snow shovel further includes a head assembly connected to the second end. The head assembly includes a shovel and an auger rotatably connected to the shovel, the auger rotatable about an auger axis, the auger axis transverse to the longitudinal axis. The head assembly further includes a motor operational to rotate the auger, the motor powered by the battery and operated by actuation of the trigger.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a motorized snow shovel in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a motorized snow shovel, including a first end of a shaft assembly of the motorized snow shovel, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a head assembly of a motorized snow shovel in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a head assembly of a motorized snow shovel, with a side cover plate removed for illustrative purposes, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of a motor, pulley assembly, and auger of a motorized snow shovel in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

As used herein, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). The terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the present disclosure is generally directed to motorized snow shovels 10. Motorized snow shovels 10 in accordance with the present disclosure advantageously reduce the required manual labor associated with removal of snow or other environmental debris, and are further relatively inexpensive and simple to utilize.

As shown, a motorized snow shovel 10 includes a shaft assembly 20 which extends along a longitudinal axis 22 between a first end 24 and a second end 26. In exemplary embodiments as shown, shaft assembly 20 be a single shaft which extends between the first end 24 and second end 26. The single shaft may be a unitary component, as shown, or may include two or more components which, for example, telescope or pivot with respect to each other. Alternatively, the shaft assembly 20 may include multiple shafts each extending between the first end 24 and second end 26. The shafts may be spaced apart from each other along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis 22, and cross-bars may extend between the shafts along this transverse axis to support the shaft assembly generally. Referring now additionally to FIG. 2, snow shovel 10 further includes a handle assembly 30 which is connected to the first end 24. The handle assembly 30 may include a first handle 32. A user may generally grasp handle 32 during use and operation of the motorized snow shovel 10. Further, handle assembly 30 may include a trigger 34. Trigger 34 may, for example, be partially disposed within and extend from the handle 32. Trigger 34 may be selectively actuatable to operate a motor 90 (as discussed herein) of the shovel 10. For example, an electrical connection may be provided (such as via electrical wiring extending from the trigger through the shaft assembly to the motor) between the trigger and the motor. Actuation of the trigger 34 may electrically actuate the motor, and deactuation of the trigger 34 may cease electrical actuation of the motor.

Handle assembly 30 may further include a battery 36. The battery 36 may, for example, be removably connected to a battery housing 38 of the handle assembly 30. When connected, the battery 36 may power the shovel 10 generally, such as via an electrical connection to the motor (e.g. via the trigger 34).

It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to battery-powered shovels 10. In alternative embodiments, for example, the shovel 10 may be connected via a wired connection to a suitable electrical outlet. In general, shovels 10 in accordance with the present disclosure are electrically powered.

Referring still to FIGS. 1 and 2, a shovel 10 may include a second handle 40. Second handle 40 may, as shown, be separate from the handle assembly 30. For example, as shown, second handle 40 may be connected to the shaft assembly 20 between the first end 24 and the second end 26. In exemplary embodiments, the second handle 40 may be relatively more proximate the first end 24 than the second end 26. Alternatively, second handle 40 may be a component of the handle assembly 30.

In some embodiments, second handle 40 may be rotatable, such as about a handle axis 42. The handle axis 42 may, for example, be transverse to the longitudinal axis 22. Further, in some embodiments, such rotation may be selectively fixed such that no rotation is permitted. For example, a lock assembly 44, which may for example, include a bolt 46, may be provided. Engagement of the lock assembly 44, such as via tightening of the bolt 46, may fix the handle 40 in place. Disengagement of the lock assembly 44, such as via loosening of the bolt 46, may allow rotation of the handle 40. In some embodiments, lock assembly 44, such as the bolt 46 thereof, may be disposed along and define the handle axis 42.

The connection of the second handle 40 to the shaft assembly 20 may, for example, be via a sleeve 48. Sleeve 48 may be in contact with and connected to the shaft assembly 20, and second handle 40 may be connected to the sleeve 48. For example, the lock assembly 44 may connect the second handle 40 to the sleeve 48.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3 through 5, a motorized snow shovel 10 in accordance with the present disclosure further includes a head assembly 50. Head assembly 50 may be connected to the second end 26 of the shaft assembly 20, e.g. opposite the handle assembly 30.

Head assembly 50 may include a shovel 52. The shovel 52 may, during operation generally be placed on the ground or another surface from which snow or other environmental debris needs to be removed. Shovel 52 may, for example, include a main body 54 which generally receives the snow and/or other environmental debris. Main body 54 may have a forward-facing surface 56 which has a rear portion 58 and a base portion 60, as shown. The rear portion 58 may have a generally arcuate cross-sectional profile, e.g. when viewed in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis 22. The base portion 60 may have a generally linear cross-sectional profile, and thus be a generally planar surface.

Main body 54 may further include a bottom surface 62 which generally contacts the ground or another surface during use. The base portion 60 may be angled relative to the bottom surface 62, such as when viewed in cross-section, e.g. in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis 22.

The forward-facing surface 56 may further include a lip 64. Lip 64 may extend from the base portion 60, and may for example, connect the base portion 60 and bottom surface 62. The lip 64 may be angled relative to the bottom surface 62, such as when viewed in cross-section, e.g. in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis 22. In exemplary embodiments, the angle 65 of the lip 64 relative to the bottom surface 62 may be greater than angle 61 of the base portion 60 relative to the bottom surface 62.

The main body 54 may extend between a first side 66 and a second side 68 along an axis (which may be parallel with an auger axis as discussed herein) which is transverse to the longitudinal axis 22. A first side 66 of the main body 54 may generally define an open space which allows for snow and other environmental debris to exit the main body 54, as discussed herein. A sidewall 70 may border the main body 54, such as at the second side 68.

Shovel 52 may further include an outer casing 72, which may for example include a rear casing portion 74 and a side casing portion 76. The rear casing portion 74 may, for example, generally cover a back side of the main body 54 (e.g. opposite the forward-facing surface 56). Rear casing portion 74 may thus be connected to the main body 54. The side casing portion 76 may, for example, generally cover a back side of the sidewall 70. Side casing portion 76 may thus be connected to the sidewall 70.

Head assembly 50 may further include an auger 80. The auger 80 may be positioned generally proximate the shovel 52, and may for example be connected, such as rotatably connected, to the shovel 52. Auger 80 may extend along an auger axis 82, Which may be transverse to the longitudinal axis 22. Auger 80 may further be rotatable about the auger axis 82. As shown, in some embodiments, the auger 80 may be connected, such as rotatably connected, to the shovel 52 proximate the first side 66 by a bracket 84 which extends between the main body 54 and the auger 80. The auger 80 may further extend through and be connected, such as rotatably connected, to the sidewall 70.

Rotational of the auger 80 may advantageously move snow and/or other environmental debris generally along the auger axis 82, such as from the second side 68 towards the first side 66. The snow and/or other environmental debris may thus exit the shovel 52 via the open space defined by the first side 66 due to the influence of the auger 80. Notably, such snow and/or other environmental debris is advantageously not blown into the air, and shovel 10 does not include any fans, blowers, or other apparatus to facilitate such blowing action.

Auger 80 may, for example, include a shaft 86 and a blade 88. Blade 88 may extend helically about, and be connected to, shaft 86. Shaft 86 may extend along the auger axis 82, and may be connected to the bracket 84 and extend through the sidewall 70. In exemplary embodiments, blade 88 may extend at a constant pitch along a length of the blade 88, thus advantageously facilitating the side removal of snow and/or other environmental debris as discussed herein.

Rotation of the auger 80 may advantageously be motorized. For example, head assembly 50 may further include a motor 90. Motor 90 may, for example, be electrically connected to trigger 34 and/or battery 36, as discussed herein. The motor 90 may be operational to rotate the auger 80, and may thus be operably connected to the auger 80 such that operation of the motor 90 causes rotation of the auger 80. In exemplary embodiments, motor 90 may be a brushed DC electric motor. Alternatively, motor 90 may be a brushless DC electric motor. Alternatively, other suitable motors 90, and in particular electric motors, may be utilized.

In exemplary embodiments, motor 90 may be housed in the outer casing 72. For example, motor 90 may be disposed between the rear casing portion 74 and the main body 54, as shown, and/or between the side casing portion 76 and the sidewall 70.

Motor 90 may, in some embodiments, be rotationally connected to the auger 80 via a pulley assembly 92. The pulley assembly 92 may, for example, include a first pulley 94 connected to the motor 90 (e.g. a rotational shaft thereof), a second pulley 96 connected to the auger 80 (e.g. a rotational shaft thereof), and a belt 98 extending between the first pulley 94 and second pulley 96. Second pulley 96 may, for example, be larger than first pulley 94. Operation of the motor 90 may rotate the first pulley 94, which may in turn rotate the second pulley 96 due to movement of the belt extending therebetween, which may in turn rotate the auger 80.

In exemplary embodiments, pulley assembly 92 may be housed in the outer casing 72. For example, pulley assembly 92 may be disposed between the side casing portion 76 and the sidewall 70, as shown, and/or may be disposed between the rear casing portion 74 and the main body 54.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A motorized snow shovel, comprising: a shaft assembly extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end; a handle assembly connected to the first end, the handle assembly comprising a first handle; and a head assembly connected to the second end, the head assembly comprising: a shovel; an auger rotatably connected to the shovel; and a motor operational to rotate the auger.
 2. The motorized snow shovel of claim 1, wherein the auger is rotatable about an auger axis, the auger axis transverse to the longitudinal axis.
 3. The motorized snow shovel of claim 2, wherein rotation of the auger moves environmental debris along the auger axis.
 4. The motorized snow shovel of claim 1, wherein the shovel comprises a main body having a forward-facing surface, the forward-facing surface comprising a rear portion and a base portion, the rear portion having a generally arcuate profile.
 5. The motorized snow shovel of claim 4, wherein the forward-facing surface further comprises a lip extending from the base portion.
 6. The motorized snow shovel of claim 4, wherein the shovel further comprises a sidewall bordering the main body.
 7. The motorized snow shovel of claim 1, wherein the shovel comprises an outer casing, the outer casing housing the motor.
 8. The motorized snow shovel of claim 1, further comprising a pulley assembly rotationally connecting the motor and the auger.
 9. The motorized snow shovel of claim 1, wherein the motor is an electric motor.
 10. The motorized snow shovel of claim 1, wherein the handle assembly further comprises a battery and a trigger, the battery powering the motor, the trigger selectively actuatable to operate the motor.
 11. The motorized snow shovel of claim 1, further comprising a second handle connected to the shaft assembly between the first end and the second end.
 12. The motorized snow shovel of claim 11, wherein the second handle is rotatable about a handle axis.
 13. The motorized snow shovel of claim 12, wherein the handle axis is transverse to the longitudinal axis.
 14. A motorized snow shovel, comprising: a shaft assembly extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end; a handle assembly connected to the first end, the handle assembly comprising a first handle, a battery, and a trigger; a second handle connected to the shaft assembly between the first end and the second end; and a head assembly connected to the second end, the head assembly comprising: a shovel; an auger rotatably connected to the shovel, the auger rotatable about an auger axis, the auger axis transverse to the longitudinal axis; and a motor operational to rotate the auger, the motor powered by the battery and operated by actuation of the trigger.
 15. The motorized snow shovel of claim 14, wherein rotation of the auger moves environmental debris along the auger axis.
 16. The motorized snow shovel of claim 14, wherein the shovel comprises a main body having a forward-facing surface, the forward-facing surface comprising a rear portion and a base portion, the rear portion having a generally arcuate profile.
 17. The motorized snow shovel of claim 14, wherein the shovel comprises an outer casing, the outer casing housing the motor.
 18. The motorized snow shovel of claim 14, further comprising a pulley assembly rotationally connecting the motor and the auger.
 19. The motorized snow shovel of claim 14, wherein the motor is an electric motor.
 20. The motorized snow shovel of claim 14, wherein the second handle is rotatable about a handle axis. 